59. Couples

The library was unusually quiet, with only the soft rustle of pages and the distant hum of the air conditioner filling the silence. Ivaan and Saanchi sat across from each other at a wooden table, surrounded by books and notes. The assignment they were supposed to be working on was lying untouched as their irritation with each other grew by the minute.

Ivaan leaned back in his chair, tapping his pen against the table in an annoying rhythm. Saanchi, her brows furrowed, shot him an icy glare.

“Can you stop that?” she snapped, her voice low but sharp enough to cut through the silence.

He smirked and stopped, only to start again a moment later, as if testing her patience. “Why does everything irritate you, Saanchi? Why are you always like this?”

“Like what?” she hissed, her voice rising slightly.

“Cold. Rude. Always acting like you’ve got the weight of the world on your shoulders,” he said, leaning forward now. “Seriously, what’s your deal?”

Saanchi slammed her book shut, the sound echoing in the quiet library. She stood up abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor. Ivaan stared at her, surprised by the intensity in her eyes.

“You want to know why I’m like this?” she said, her voice trembling with anger and something deeper—pain. “Fine. Let me tell you.”

She crossed her arms, her gaze boring into his as she began, her words sharp and fast, like she had been holding them back for years.

“My mother died when I was ten, Ivaan. Ten! Do you have any idea what it’s like to lose someone you love so much at that age? My father… he tried. He really did. But he was broken. Completely shattered. He couldn’t even look at me without breaking down. Do you know how it feels to see your own father crumble in front of you?”

Ivaan’s smirk faded, replaced by a look of guilt and confusion. He opened his mouth to say something, but she didn’t let him.

“I had to grow up overnight. I had to be the one to hold everything together. I cooked, I cleaned, I studied, and I made sure my father ate, all while dealing with my own grief. No one was there to take care of me, Ivaan. No one. So yes, I’m cold. Yes, I have an attitude. And you know why? Because I don’t trust anyone to take care of me. I learned a long time ago that if I don’t look out for myself, no one will.”

Her voice cracked on the last word, and she quickly looked away, blinking back tears. She wasn’t going to let him see her cry.

“I hope that answers your question,” she said, her tone bitter. “And next time, think twice before you judge someone.”

Without waiting for a response, she grabbed her bag and stormed out of the library, leaving Ivaan sitting there, stunned.

For a long moment, he didn’t move, her words replaying in his mind. He felt a pang of guilt for pushing her, for not realizing there was so much more to her than the cold, aloof exterior she showed the world.

“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair.

As the silence of the library settled around him once more, he realized that Saanchi wasn’t just a puzzle—she was a storm. And for the first time, he felt like he wanted to understand her, not just to irritate her but to truly know her.

Ivaan sat back in his chair, his hands resting on the table as Saanchi’s words echoed in his mind. He couldn’t focus on the open book in front of him or the half-written notes scattered across the table. All he could think about was what she had said and the look in her eyes—anger mixed with an unbearable pain she had been hiding for years.

He closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the chair as memories of their countless arguments flashed before him.

He remembered the first time they clashed in the classroom over a group project. She had walked in, confident and sharp, her tone icy as she dismissed his ideas outright. He had been furious, thinking she was just another rich, entitled brat who thought she was better than everyone else.

Then there was the time in the cafeteria when she had bumped into him, spilling his coffee all over his notes. She hadn’t even apologized properly, just given him a curt “watch where you’re going” before walking off. He had been livid, muttering under his breath about her attitude and arrogance.

And the countless debates in class—she always challenged him, always found a way to prove him wrong. At first, he had seen it as her trying to one-up him, but now he realized it was something else. It wasn’t arrogance; it was her defense mechanism, her way of keeping people at a distance.

Ivaan opened his eyes and looked around the library. How had he been so blind? How had he misinterpreted everything about her?

Saanchi Dhanraj, the daughter of one of the wealthiest businessmen in the city, who seemed to have everything anyone could ever want—luxury, status, power—was carrying a burden no one else could see. Behind her cold demeanor and sharp words was a girl who had been forced to grow up too soon, a girl who had lost her mother and had to piece her life back together while caring for a father who couldn’t.

He ran a hand through his hair, frustration bubbling inside him. “I’m such an idiot,” he muttered to himself. All this time, he had judged her, provoked her, and labeled her without even trying to understand her.

He thought about the look on her face just before she stormed out. It wasn’t just anger; it was vulnerability. For the first time, she had let someone see a glimpse of the real her, and Ivaan felt a strange mix of guilt and... something else.

“I’ve been wrong about her,” he whispered, his voice barely audible in the quiet library. “Completely wrong.”

A part of him wanted to run after her, to apologize, to tell her he hadn’t meant to hurt her. But another part of him knew that she wouldn’t want his pity. Saanchi wasn’t the type to want sympathy—she wanted respect, understanding.

As he sat there, replaying every moment they had fought, every sharp word exchanged, Ivaan couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of regret. He had misjudged her, but now that he knew the truth, he couldn’t look at her the same way.

She wasn’t just Saanchi Dhanraj Gir, the cold, irritating girl who got on his nerves. She was someone much more complex, much stronger, and much more broken than he had ever imagined.

And for the first time, Ivaan felt a strange pull toward her—not just curiosity, but a genuine desire to know her, to understand her, and maybe even to be there for her.

Riya stormed down the hallway, her heels clicking against the floor as she shot an irritated glance over her shoulder. There he was again—Rohit Parihar, her so-called bodyguard. He was walking at a measured pace, his eyes scanning the surroundings like a hawk. His composed demeanor only fueled her annoyance further.

“Can you stop following me like a shadow?” she snapped, stopping abruptly and turning to face him.

Arav, disguised as Rohit, raised an eyebrow, his expression calm and unbothered. “I’m just doing my job, ma’am,” he replied in a tone so professional it made her want to scream.

“Well, your job is suffocating me! I don’t need a babysitter,” she retorted, folding her arms across her chest.

Arav tilted his head slightly, his lips twitching as though suppressing a smirk. “With all due respect, ma’am, I’m not your babysitter. I’m your bodyguard. There’s a difference.”

Riya groaned, running a hand through her hair. “You’re impossible. I don’t need protection! I can take care of myself.”

“That may be true, but I have my orders from Shivaay Singh Ranawat himself,” he said firmly. “And until those orders change, I’ll be sticking around.”

Riya threw her hands up in exasperation. “Great. Just great. First my overprotective brother, and now his personal spy!”

Arav’s smirk finally broke through. “Spy? That’s a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

She glared at him, her cheeks flushing with frustration. “Don’t test me, Mr. Parihar. Just stay out of my way, okay?”

“Sure, ma’am,” he replied with a slight nod. “As long as you don’t go somewhere unsafe.”

Riya muttered something under her breath, turned on her heel, and stomped off. But no matter how fast she walked or how much she tried to lose him in the crowd, Arav was always a few steps behind, calm and unbothered as ever.

As the day went on, Riya couldn’t help but feel her irritation growing. Whether she was in class, grabbing a coffee, or walking to the library, Arav was always there, watching her with that annoyingly composed expression.

By the time the afternoon rolled around, she was ready to explode. She spun around to face him outside the cafeteria, her eyes blazing. “Do you have a hobby or something? Maybe you could do that instead of breathing down my neck!”

Arav leaned casually against the wall, crossing his arms. “My hobby is keeping you safe, ma’am,” he said smoothly.

Riya blinked, momentarily stunned by his response. Then she shook her head and let out a frustrated laugh. “Unbelievable. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

He shrugged, the faintest hint of a smirk playing on his lips. “It’s just a job, ma’am.”

“Well, it’s an annoying job!” she shot back before walking away, leaving him chuckling softly to himself.

As much as she hated to admit it, there was something about Rohit Parihar—or Arav Gupta—that got under her skin. Whether it was his infuriating calmness, his relentless dedication, or the way he always seemed one step ahead of her, she couldn’t quite figure it out.

But one thing was certain: this was going to be a long and frustrating arrangement.

In the middle of reviewing a stack of documents in his cabin, Ishaan’s phone buzzed on his desk. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was his mother, Anita Singh Ranawat. He sighed, knowing her calls often came with an instruction or a request.

He picked up, his tone respectful yet curious. “Yes, Maa? Is everything okay?”

Anita’s familiar, calm voice came through the line. “Ishaan, I need you to come home for a bit.”

Ishaan frowned, confused. “Come home? Right now? I’m in the middle of work.”

“Yes, right now,” she said firmly. “You need to take Niharika and Kanika shopping. It’s for Niharika’s birthday. I want her to feel special, and it’s important she has everything she needs for tonight’s celebration.”

Ishaan leaned back in his chair, slightly amused. “Maa, you do realize I’m running a company, right? Do I look like someone who knows anything about women’s shopping?”

Anita chuckled softly. “I’m not asking you to choose the outfits. Just take them, make sure they have fun, and pay the bills. It’s your responsibility as her brother-in-law. And don’t even think about arguing. This is important.”

Ishaan sighed in defeat, knowing there was no point in arguing with her. “Fine, fine. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

“Good boy,” Anita said with a smile in her tone. “And make sure they don’t hold back. I want Niharika to feel like a queen.”

Hanging up, Ishaan shook his head with a small smile. “Shopping duty... great. Just what I needed today,” he muttered to himself before grabbing his car keys and heading out of the office.

---

Back at the mansion, Niharika and Kanika were sitting in the living room, chatting casually. Niharika was still adjusting to the Ranawat family’s grand gestures and lavish lifestyle, but Kanika’s cheerful presence always made her feel at ease.

Ishaan entered, his confident stride catching their attention. “Ladies,” he called out, stopping in front of them. “Maa has assigned me the glorious task of taking you both shopping. So, let’s go.”

Kanika clapped her hands excitedly. “Shopping! Perfect! I was hoping to get some new accessories.”

Niharika, on the other hand, looked a bit hesitant. “Oh, Ishaan, I don’t think that’s necessary. I already have enough clothes—”

Ishaan raised a hand, cutting her off. “Save the modesty, bhabhi. Maa has given her orders, and trust me, nobody in this family argues with her. So, let’s not waste time.”

Kanika grabbed Niharika’s hand, pulling her up. “Come on, Nia! It’ll be fun. Besides, you deserve to be pampered.”

Realizing there was no escaping this, Niharika sighed and smiled softly. “Okay, fine. But nothing too extravagant, please.”

Ishaan smirked, leading the way to his car. “We’ll see about that.”

---

The trio arrived at one of the city’s most luxurious malls, where Kanika immediately took charge, dragging Niharika from one store to another. Ishaan followed behind, carrying their shopping bags like a dutiful escort.

“Niharika, try this saree! Oh, and this lehenga!” Kanika exclaimed, holding up several outfits.

Niharika looked overwhelmed but played along, trying on various outfits while Kanika acted as her personal stylist. Ishaan, meanwhile, watched the scene unfold with mild amusement.

“You know,” he said as Niharika emerged in a stunning golden saree, “I think Maa’s plan to make you feel special is working. You look like royalty.”

Niharika blushed, feeling both shy and grateful. “Thank you, Ishaan. And... thank you for coming with us. I know you’re busy.”

Ishaan shrugged, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Family comes first. Always.”

By the time they were done, Niharika had several new outfits, accessories, and a pair of stunning heels, courtesy of Kanika’s insistence. Ishaan paid the bill without batting an eye, despite the hefty total.

As the three returned home, arms full of shopping bags, Anita was waiting for them in the living room with a warm smile. She noticed how Kanika was beaming with excitement, her joy evident after spending the day out. Niharika followed closely behind, her face glowing from the outing, while Ishaan trailed behind, looking both amused and slightly drained.

“Well done, Ishaan,” Anita teased. “You’ve managed to survive shopping with these two.”

Ishaan gave a playful groan, setting the bags down on the table. “Barely. These two could outlast anyone in a mall.”

Kanika giggled, nudging him lightly. “Oh, please. You were having fun, even if you won’t admit it.”

Niharika smiled and added, “And don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy the food court stops.”

Ishaan rolled his eyes but smirked. “Fine, I’ll admit the food saved me. But I hope I don’t have to do this again anytime soon.”

Anita chuckled and shook her head. “Not so fast. I have another responsibility for you.”

Ishaan raised a brow, wary. “Another? Didn’t I just earn some rest?”

Anita smiled knowingly. “Not yet. Now, your next task is to take Kanika out and show her Jaipur. She hasn’t seen much of the city, and I want her to experience the beauty of it.”

Kanika’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? I’d love that!”

Ishaan, however, crossed his arms, mock protesting. “Why me? Can’t Shivaay or Ivaan take her around?”

Anita gave him a pointed look. “Because I said so, that’s why. Besides, you already spent the day with her—you’re the perfect candidate. Take her to see the real Jaipur. Show her the City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, and the bazaars. You’ll both have fun.”

Kanika turned to Ishaan, her face lighting up. “It’ll be so much fun! I’ve heard so much about Jaipur’s vibrant culture. Please, Ishaan?”

Ishaan sighed, shaking his head with a small grin. “Alright, fine. But don’t blame me if you get tired halfway through.”

Kanika laughed. “Tired? Never. I’m ready for an adventure!”

Anita smiled approvingly. “Good. Make sure you both have a great time. And Ishaan, don’t let her skip the bazaars. She needs to see Jaipur’s charm up close.”

Niharika watched the interaction, her heart warming at how effortlessly Ishaan and Kanika got along. There was a playful ease between them that made her smile.

As Kanika and Anita began discussing the places to visit, Ishaan leaned against the wall, muttering to himself with a smirk, “Looks like I’m Jaipur’s official tour guide now.”

Kanika overheard him and laughed. “And a great one, I’m sure.”

Ishaan chuckled and shook his head. “We’ll see about that tomorrow.”

With plans set, the anticipation for the next day’s adventure filled the air, promising a day of memories in the beautiful streets of Jaipur.

As they walked through the bustling bazaars of Jaipur, the vibrant colors of sarees, jewelry, and handicrafts surrounded them. Kanika was glued to her phone, taking pictures of the lively atmosphere. Ishaan glanced at her and, out of nowhere, asked, “Are you married?”

Startled, she looked up, confused. “What? No! Why would you even ask that?”

Ishaan smirked, pretending to be serious. “Just checking. What about babies? Any kids?”

Kanika gave him a mock glare, then decided to play along. “Yes, ten kids. All grown up now.”

He burst out laughing. “Absurd woman! You can’t even handle one shopping bag, and you’re talking about ten kids?”

They both laughed, their voices blending into the lively sounds of the market. After a moment, Kanika looked at him, curious. “Why are you even asking these weird questions?”

He shrugged, a mischievous grin on his face. “Nothing, just... ummeed.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Ummeed? What ummeed?”

He avoided her gaze, pretending to inspect a nearby stall. “Nothing important.”

Kanika narrowed her eyes, but before she could press further, she asked, “What about you? I mean, you’re handsome, so you must have a girlfriend, right?”

Ishaan chuckled, shaking his head. “Nope, not yet.”

She looked surprised. “Really?”

He smirked, his eyes flickering toward her. “But I’ll make someone mine soon.”

Her breath hitched slightly at his words, but she quickly masked it, nodding with a small smile. Before the moment could linger, her eyes caught sight of a pani puri stall nearby.

“Ooh, pani puri! Let’s go eat some,” she exclaimed, pulling his arm and dragging him toward the vendor.

Ishaan groaned internally. He couldn’t tolerate spicy food at all, but Kanika was too excited to notice. She turned to the vendor with enthusiasm. “Bhaiya, make mine extra spicy!”

She turned to Ishaan. “What about you? Spicy, sweet, or medium?”

Trying to keep up his cool image, Ishaan straightened up. “Of course, extra spicy for me too.”

Kanika’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Really? Bhaiya, make his extra extra spicy then!”

He shot her a nervous glance but couldn’t back out now. “Yeah, sure. Spicy is fine. I like spicy more than sweet,” he lied, attempting to sound confident.

As the vendor handed them their pani puris, Kanika popped one into her mouth effortlessly, smiling at the burst of flavors. Ishaan, on the other hand, cautiously bit into his and immediately felt the fire in his mouth.

Kanika noticed his face turning red and burst out laughing. “Oh my God, Ishaan! Are you okay?”

He coughed slightly but tried to act unbothered. “Yeah, totally fine. This is nothing.”

She smirked, clearly enjoying his struggle. “Really? Then have another one.”

He hesitated but couldn’t back down now. Grabbing another pani puri, he ate it, his eyes watering as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Kanika couldn’t stop laughing. “You’re such a terrible liar. You clearly can’t handle spice!”

He finally gave up, waving his hand in surrender. “Fine, you got me. Sweet pani puri is my thing, not this torture!”

She grinned triumphantly. “Well, now you know. Spicy is always better than sweet.”

Ishaan rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t help smiling. As they walked away from the stall, he thought to himself how her laughter and teasing made the fiery challenge worth it.

As they continued strolling through the lively bazaar, the atmosphere seemed to brighten with their laughter and playful banter. Kanika kept teasing Ishaan about his inability to handle spice, while he pretended to sulk, making exaggerated faces that only made her laugh harder.

“You know,” Kanika said, wiping a tear from her eye after laughing too much, “you’re actually fun to be around. I didn’t expect this side of you.”

Ishaan raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. “What did you expect? Some boring, stuck-up businessman?”

She shrugged playfully. “Something like that.”

He smirked. “Well, glad to know I’m exceeding expectations.”

As they walked past a jewelry shop, Kanika paused, her eyes drawn to a delicate pair of jhumkas. Ishaan noticed her admiring them and said, “Do you want to go inside and check them out?”

She shook her head quickly. “No, no. I was just looking.”

But Ishaan could tell she liked them. Without saying a word, he made a mental note.

The two continued exploring, stopping at different stalls—Kanika trying on bangles, bargaining with the shopkeepers, and dragging Ishaan to every colorful corner of the market. Ishaan, who wasn’t usually a fan of crowded places, found himself enjoying her company more than he’d expected.

At one point, Kanika noticed a group of kids running around and playing with balloons. She smiled and impulsively bought a few, handing them to the children. Ishaan watched her with a soft expression, realizing how effortlessly kind she was.

“You have a good heart,” he said suddenly.

She looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Thank you,” she said softly.

They continued walking, the sun beginning to set, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The golden light cast a warm glow over the market, making the moment feel even more special.

Kanika turned to Ishaan with a bright smile. “This has been fun. Thank you for coming with me. I didn’t think I’d enjoy Jaipur this much.”

Ishaan smiled back. “The feeling’s mutual. You’re not as bad as I thought you’d be.”

She gasped in mock indignation. “Not as bad? Excuse me?”

He chuckled. “I’m kidding. You’re actually... pretty great.”

For a moment, they both fell silent, the playful atmosphere giving way to a quieter, more meaningful connection. They didn’t say anything, but the comfort they felt in each other’s presence spoke volumes.

As they walked back toward the car, Kanika couldn’t help but think how unexpectedly easy it was to be around Ishaan. And Ishaan, glancing at her out of the corner of his eye, wondered why this day felt so different—so good.

They were both enjoying each other’s company more than they would’ve ever admitted aloud.

Saanchi looked up, her teary eyes meeting Ivaan’s apologetic gaze. She quickly wiped her tears, trying to maintain her usual composure. "What are you doing here, Ivaan? Don't you have someone else to bother?" she asked, her voice tinged with annoyance but not as sharp as usual.

Ivaan sighed and sat on the bench next to her, maintaining some distance. "I'm not here to bother you, Saanchi. I... I just came to say sorry. For everything. I had no idea you’ve been through so much."

Saanchi frowned, her defenses still up. "Sorry won’t change anything, Ivaan. And why does it matter to you? You don’t even like me."

He looked at her seriously, his usual playful demeanor gone. "I don’t know if that’s true anymore. I used to think you were just this cold, spoiled girl who looked down on everyone. But now... now I see there’s so much more to you."

She turned her face away, her voice trembling. "You don’t know anything about me. And you don’t need to."

"I know enough," he said softly. "I know that you’ve carried burdens no one should have to carry alone. I know that behind all that attitude, there’s someone who’s just trying to keep it together. And I know that I’ve been a complete idiot for judging you without understanding the full story."

Saanchi stayed silent, his words hitting closer to home than she wanted to admit. She hated how vulnerable she felt in that moment, but she couldn’t bring herself to push him away either.

"Ivaan," she said quietly, "I don’t need your pity."

"It’s not pity," he said firmly. "It’s... respect. For everything you’ve been through. And maybe... maybe I want to make up for being such a jerk to you."

She looked at him, her expression softening just a little. "Why do you care now?"

He shrugged, a small, self-deprecating smile on his face. "Maybe because I’m realizing that being your enemy is exhausting. And maybe... I’d like to try being your friend instead."

Saanchi raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "Friend? You?"

"Yeah, me," he said, his tone light but his eyes sincere. "I know it’s a long shot, but... what do you say?"

She studied him for a moment, searching his face for any sign of insincerity. Finding none, she finally sighed and said, "I don’t know, Ivaan. I’m not exactly good at the whole ‘friendship’ thing."

"Well," he said, a teasing glint returning to his eyes, "lucky for you, I’m great at it. I’ll teach you."

Despite herself, Saanchi let out a small laugh, the tension between them easing just a bit. "You’re impossible, you know that?"

"Yeah," he said with a grin. "But admit it—you kind of like that about me."

She rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it, and for the first time in a long time, she felt a tiny flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to face everything alone anymore.

Saanchi shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. She let out a soft laugh, her walls beginning to crumble. "You really are impossible, Ivaan," she said, her tone lighter now.

He leaned back, smirking. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

She hesitated for a moment before extending her hand toward him. "Fine. Friendship it is. But don’t make me regret it."

Ivaan looked at her outstretched hand, then back at her, his grin widening. "Deal," he said, shaking her hand firmly. "You won’t regret it. I promise."

As their hands lingered for a second longer than necessary, Saanchi felt a strange sense of relief. For the first time in years, someone had managed to break through her carefully built defenses.

Ivaan stood up and stretched. "Alright, Saanchi Dhanraj Gir, new bestie of mine, first lesson of friendship—smile more. You look less scary that way."

Saanchi rolled her eyes, trying to suppress a grin. "Don’t push your luck, Ivaan."

He laughed and started walking away, throwing a glance over his shoulder. "See you in class, Ms. Dhanraj Gir. Don’t forget—we’re friends now!"

As he disappeared around the corner, Saanchi found herself smiling again, this time without trying to hide it. Maybe, just maybe, having someone like Ivaan in her life wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Shivaay sat at his desk, his mind racing with anticipation. He had been planning this for days, thinking about how he would express his feelings to Niharika. Today was the day he was going to be honest with her, to tell her everything that had been weighing on his heart.

The door to his cabin opened, and one of his men walked in, holding a small parcel. Shivaay nodded for him to leave, and as the man exited, Shivaay carefully placed the parcel on his desk. His hands trembled slightly as he opened it, revealing two delicate payals, the intricate silver anklets glistening in the light. Alongside them was a couples pendant, a symbol of the bond he felt with Niharika, a bond he was ready to claim.

He ran his fingers over the pendant, imagining how it would look around her neck, how it would symbolize the love he was about to confess. His heart raced, and for the first time in a long while, he wasn’t sure if he was ready. But he knew one thing for sure—he couldn’t keep his feelings hidden anymore.

Today, he was going to tell Niharika everything. How much he loved her, how much she meant to him. No more running away, no more pretending. It was time for the truth.

He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and placed the items back in the parcel, ready to present them to her. It was going to be a moment he would never forget.